Manager QA Lab

About The Role

The Manager, QA Lab leads the day‑to‑day operations of an in‑house textile and apparel testing laboratory. This role is responsible for ensuring that all testing is performed accurately, on schedule, and in alignment with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The manager oversees test methods, equipment, documentation practices, and the development of lab technicians across multiple locations.

Employment Type:
Full‑Time

• Oversee daily workflow for all textile and apparel test requests, including AATCC, ASTM, ISO, and internal methods.
• Review test results and issue clear, data‑driven reports and recommendations.
• Establish and monitor turnaround times to support product development, production, and quality teams.
• Maintain robust sample traceability and adherence to established lab SOPs.

• Ensure consistent application of test methods across all lab locations.
• Develop, validate, and update standard operating procedures as methods and requirements evolve.
• Train technicians on test methods, instrumentation, safety, and documentation best practices.
• Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis related to test failures and product performance issues.

• Manage all laboratory equipment, including installation, calibration, verification, and preventive maintenance.
• Maintain calibration, maintenance, and repair records to support audits and compliance needs.
• Identify capability gaps and recommend new instruments or upgrades to meet testing demands.

• Maintain lab operations in alignment with internal quality systems and relevant external standards (e.g., AATCC, ASTM, ISO principles).
• Prepare the lab for internal and external audits and support corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure robust data integrity, recordkeeping, and sample handling procedures.

• Partner with Product Development, Production, Quality, Compliance, and Sourcing teams to plan and execute testing programs.
• Provide technical input for material selection, supplier evaluations, vendor qualification, and performance claims.
• Generate and interpret testing trends to support continuous improvement and global quality programs.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of lab technicians, potentially across multiple sites.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback and mentorship.
• Plan staffing, scheduling, and workload distribution to meet changing priorities.

• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, including chemical handling, PPE, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and audit‑ready laboratory environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in textiles, textile chemistry, materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• 5–8 years of laboratory experience in apparel, textiles, or materials testing.
• Hands‑on experience with AATCC and ASTM methods (e.g., wash durability, color fastness, pilling, bursting strength, dimensional stability).
• Solid understanding of global regulatory and performance standards relevant to textiles and apparel.
• Proven experience managing technicians and daily laboratory operations.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and documentation skills.
• Experience with multi‑site or remote lab teams is a plus.
• Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 17025 or equivalent principles).
• Working knowledge of textile testing equipment such as Launder‑O‑Meter, pilling box, Martindale, tensile/tear testers, spectrophotometers, environmental chambers, and standard laundry equipment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.